by Molly Jebber
Liza walked him to the door. “Danki, Doctor.”
“I’m happy for you, Liza. Enjoy this time.” He nodded to the girls. “I’ll be here in the morning as usual. Have a good day.” He walked out the door, whistling.
“Daed and Peter will be ecstatic!” Ellie put her hands on Liza’s shoulders. “When will you tell them?”
Hannah whirled around. “I’m so excited to tell my parents!”
Ellie stepped back. “Liza, your frown and worried eyes puzzle me. Why aren’t you over the moon about this? Don’t you want a boppli?”
“More than anything.” She paced the room. “I’m afraid. What if something goes wrong? It’s early. I don’t want to disappoint Jacob or you or anyone in our family. I should’ve kept this between Dr. Harrison and myself.”
“Liza, you’re not to blame if something would happen. Your family would comfort you, and we’d heal together with God watching over us. This is the time where you trust and look forward to holding your little one and raising him or her.” Ellie chuckled. “You may wonder if Hannah, Esther, and I will spoil the infant too much. And jah, we promise to.”
“Jah. I’m going home to knit booties tonight!” Hannah mimed having knitting needles in her hands.
Liza dabbed tears under her eyes. “You’re right. I shouldn’t be predicting the worst. Paul blamed me for not giving him kinner. I need to let those fears go. Jacob would never do such a thing.” She curled her lips into a smile. “He’s going to want to shout it from the rooftop. Peter will tell his classmates at school. The town gossips are going to love this!” She rolled her eyes.
“Do you mind if we put it in the paper?” Ellie gave her an impish grin and then threw up her hands. “Just teasing you.”
“I sure hope this queasiness in the mornings goes away soon.” Liza rubbed her tummy.
“Mamm said she had it with me for about three months.”
“It doesn’t matter.” Liza rubbed her hands together. “I’d suffer nine months to have a boppli. I can’t wait!”
“What fun this will be!” Ellie bounced on her toes.
Hannah reached for Liza’s hand. “Maybe you should go home and take it easy. You can tell Jacob and Peter. They’ll want to shout it all over town!”
Ellie bit the inside of her cheek. She would’ve liked to watch the expressions on Jacob and Peter’s faces. They’d beam with happiness. She held her breath a moment. Guilt shot through her. She wouldn’t be selfish. Liza’s health was most important. She was thankful Hannah had made the suggestion and she hadn’t had a chance to voice her errant thought. She’d have regretted it. Hannah had rescued her again.
“Liza, Hannah’s right. Go home and get some rest. I’m sure you’re itching to tell Daed and Peter.”
“All right. I am anxious to tell them. I’ll kumme back and take you both home around five.” She untied her apron and hung it on the hook. She shrugged into her heavy wool cape and bid them farewell.
Hannah flipped the sign. “I better get to work. All this excitement has put me behind, but I’m not complaining.” She chuckled. “Jacob and Peter will be anxious for you to get home to discuss boppli names, what’s needed, and all kinds of plans.”
“I’m stunned. It’s hard to believe I’m gaining a bruder or schweschder in less than nine months.” She followed Hannah to the kitchen. “I’ll take these peach and blueberry pies and put them on the shelves.”
The door flew open. A middle-aged couple came in. The man was dressed in a dapper brown wool jacket and creased pants with a sharp gentlemen’s hat. His crisp white shirt didn’t have a wrinkle in it, from what she could tell. The woman had light brown hair and brown eyes to match. She had on an ankle-length black velvet coat and matching hat. Ellie hoped they didn’t notice her stare. They were a striking couple.
“What may I offer you today?”
The woman perused the jars of canned fruit on the shelf behind Ellie, and then scanned the goodies in the glass counter. “How about a peach pie, Robert?”
“Peach pie! No! You like peach pie. Not me. I’ll take apple pie.”
“We’ll take the peach pie.” She scowled at him and whipped her head to Ellie. “What kind of breads do you sell?”
Ellie reeled from the man’s outburst. The woman’s reply had taken her aback. Most women didn’t oppose their mates in public. She had pegged them all wrong. They weren’t a happy couple. “White, wheat, and nut.”
“What wonderful selections. I’ll buy wheat and nut.”
“Nut! Are you out of your mind? I don’t like nut bread. Aren’t you going to purchase anything for me?”
“Stop being rude. I’ll buy you white bread and molasses cookies. Are you satisfied?”
He huffed. “I suppose.”
“You’re lucky I would buy you anything. If it wasn’t for my inheritance, we wouldn’t have a motorcar, a nice big house, and the things you enjoy. You’re nothing but a lazy no-good spendthrift. I should leave you where we stand.”
The man’s face reddened and his eyes filled with anger. “No other man would put up with such a shrew. I can always find another woman to take care of me. Go ahead. Leave me if you want to.”
Ellie reared back. The woman stood stone-faced and silent.
She pulled out the woman’s selections, wrapped them as fast as she could, and accepted payment. How did this couple stand living together? Did they argue all the time? She couldn’t imagine the resentment between them getting any better. It made her appreciate Joel. He would be a good provider, and he apologized when he was wrong. She didn’t suppose this couple let go of their pride enough to do so. “Danki for stopping in.”
The couple departed, and she shut the door behind them.
Hannah poked her head out. “I’m glad they left. His booming voice carried back to the kitchen. They were so rude to each other. They must be miserable. How sad.”
“What I can’t figure out is why did she marry him?” Ellie shook her head. “She must’ve known he didn’t have any gumption to work.”
Hannah clasped her hands behind her back. “It’s a mystery. He must’ve been a smooth talker. It wouldn’t be the life for me.”
“You and me both.”
“I wonder if Liza will let us tell our friends about the boppli?”
“I’ll ask her tonight. I’m curious if she’ll let me tell Joel and his family when we go to supper. Or maybe she’ll tell them.”
“Peter will blab the news. He can’t keep a secret.”
“Oh, you’re right!” She laughed along with Hannah.
Ellie waited on customers and Hannah baked in the back room until five. They locked the door and left. Jacob and Peter were outside in the buggy.
“Good afternoon, ladies.” Jacob held the reins.
Peter beamed. “We’re going to have a schweschder or bruder!”
“What did I tell you?” Hannah giggled.
“No surprise there.” Ellie chuckled.
Peter swiveled in the bench. “What do you mean?”
Jacob patted Peter’s knee. “They love you, and they’re happy about your news.”
“Daed, were you surprised?” Ellie watched his face.
Daed didn’t act as gleeful as she had expected.
“I had an inkling she may be with child when she had an upset stomach each morning. Your mamm experienced the same when she carried you. I didn’t want to suggest it since I wasn’t sure I was right. I’m thrilled we’re having a child. Are you?”
She patted Daed’s shoulder. He’d turned to glance at her, and the twinkle in his eye told her he was excited about having a child.
“Jah. I wish it didn’t take so long. But it will give us lots of time to knit and stitch things for the little one. What did you say when she told you?”
Peter giggled. “He whistled and picked her up and swung her around.”
Hannah tapped Peter’s hand. “What did you do?”
“I clapped my hands and turned in circles. It’s so exc
iting!”
Ellie held on to the back of the bench behind Peter. “How is Liza?”
“The pain from the back of her head is better. She put ice on it and took some aspirin powder. She had potatoes boiling on the stove when I left.” Daed pulled in front of Hannah’s haus.
“I’m glad she’s better. Hug her for me! I can’t wait to tell my parents the news.” Hannah got out of the buggy.
“Don’t forget to tell them about Joel’s invitation to supper tomorrow evening.”
“Oh, I won’t forget.” She gave Ellie a knowing grin.
They waved farewell and headed the short distance home.
“Are you and Joel courting again?” Daed got out of the buggy.
Peter jumped out. “I’m going inside!”
Ellie nodded to Peter and turned her attention to Daed. “His mamm invited our family and Hannah’s to their haus for supper tomorrow evening. She’s not been in favor of Joel and me. I’m nervous to encounter her again after the way she treated me the last time I joined them for supper.”
Daed unharnessed the mare. “What does Joel say?”
“He insists she’s had a change of heart. I suspect Maryann may have spoken to her on my behalf. We liked each other from the moment we met. We understand each other and can empathize with what we’ve both gone through in the outside world. She’s a lovely person. I look forward to growing our friendship if her mamm allows it.”
“I like Joel. He’s a good man. I hope this get-together will turn into more with his family.”
“Danki. You’re a good daed.” She kissed him on the cheek. “This little one on the way is blessed to have you. I am, and if you asked Peter, he’d tell you the same.”
“I love being Daed to you and Peter. I’m thrilled to add another one to our home.”
“I’ll go inside and help Liza with supper.” Ellie jumped to the ground.
“I’ve got a couple of chores to do, and then I’ll join you.” Daed took the horse into the barn.
Ellie strolled across the yard, went inside, and padded to the kitchen. “You have a good helper, Liza.”
Peter held up his chin and beamed. “I scooped the biscuits off the tray and put them in the basket. I was careful not to burn my fingers.”
“He listens and follows directions. I enjoy having him in the kitchen.”
Ellie picked a platter of shredded pork off the stove and carried it to the table. “This is a feast.”
“We’re celebrating our new little addition kumming soon. Our men were funny with their reactions. I wish you could’ve been here. I laughed until I cried at their joyous whooping and hollering.” She playfully flicked the towel in her hands on Ellie’s shoulder. “And to celebrate Joel’s mamm inviting all of us for supper.”
“I’m excited and anxious. She’s unpredictable. I hope Joel is right.” She pointed to Liza’s head. “How are your head and upset stomach?” Ellie stuck a big spoon in the vegetables.
“My head is sore. The upset stomach in the morning is a small price to pay for such a wonderful gift.” She held the dishtowel to her chest. “I have an inkling this supper will be a very special one for you and Joel’s mamm.”
“I hope you’re right.” Ellie sighed. Mrs. Wenger hadn’t had a kind word to say to her since they’d met. She found it hard to swallow that Maryann would have such an impact on the woman. Maybe she shouldn’t be skeptical. She’d be pleasant and hope for the best.
* * *
Joel went to his workshop Friday morning. Yesterday had gone by fast. He hadn’t had a minute to himself with the sow escaping again and repairing the leaks in the roof, along with his other chores. He yawned. Getting up earlier than usual had been challenging. He needed to finish the gift he’d made for Ellie. The box needed a lid. He sorted through the different sizes of cedar and built the lid. It fit the box. He was sure she would like it.
He took out a pencil and piece of paper and started writing. Finished with his note, he tucked his message inside the box and closed the lid. He grinned. They’d been through turmoil, mayhem, and happy times together. He was ready to make her his fraa and share whatever life brought them. He ran inside the haus. “Mamm, do you have a piece of fabric large enough for me to wrap this?” He held up the box.
She reached for the gift. “This is beautiful. Did you make it or buy it?”
“I made it for Ellie.”
“Let me wrap it for you.” She dragged her fabric basket from the corner of the room and flipped through the pile. She tugged out dark blue fabric. Placing the box in the center, she wrapped the present and secured it with twine. She held it out to him. “You did a wonderful job on the box. She will love it.”
“Danki, Mamm.” He carried the present to his room and set it on the oak chair. Before now, Mamm would’ve scowled and made a negative comment about anything he would’ve made for Ellie. She had put the lilt back in her step, the smile on her face, and she oozed with cheerfulness. His schweschder had such a good influence on her. He hoped her good mood was here to stay.
Chapter Fourteen
Ellie got in the buggy Friday evening with her family. She rolled her shoulders and willed herself to relax. She’d been busy at the counter waiting on customers all day. “I couldn’t keep up with filling the orders for our patrons today. I didn’t have dinner.”
Liza rested her arm on the back of the bench seat. “We had several motorcars and lots of buggies and wagons in town today. The peddler had fresh fryers to sell, and the general store got in chocolate and lemon drops. They’ve been out of both for a week.”
Ellie leaned forward. “Dr. Harrison and the sheriff came in this morning. They said fifteen people were killed and twenty were injured in a railway accident in Irvington, Indiana. One of the trains was speeding from Cincinnati to Chicago when it collided with a freight train! The travelers on the train must’ve been terrified.”
Peter’s eyes widened. “I would’ve been real scared. I don’t want to ever ride a train.”
Daed said, “Most train rides are safe. Sounds like the engineer of this one broke the law and put people’s lives in danger by being reckless. Accidents are more likely to happen when we’re in too much of a hurry.”
Peter lifted up his pants leg and pointed. “Like when I ran to catch Snuggles and didn’t watch where I was going and scraped my knee?”
Daed darted a glance at Peter then back at the road. “Jah, you ignored Mamm’s request to put Snuggles away earlier, and then you were in a big hurry and got hurt.”
Ellie shuddered. It only took a moment for something bad to happen. The people on the train had no idea their lives would end. She hoped Joel was right about his mamm. She was ready to build a life with him. She bumped Peter’s arm. “Are you happy we’re going to visit Joel?”
“Jah. I’ve missed him.” Peter crossed his arms. “Is it your fault?”
“I’m afraid so.” She smoothed her skirt. “Don’t worry. After tonight, I’m hoping he’ll be at our haus more often.”
“Good.” Peter settled back in his seat.
Daed halted the horse at the Wengers, and they all got out. He tied the horse to the hitching post.
Ellie exited with her family, recognized Hannah’s buggy, and went to the door.
Joel opened it before she had a chance to knock. “Kumme in. Hannah and her family are in the sitting room.”
Mr. Wenger stood behind him. “Jah. We’re delighted you’re here.”
Her face warmed, and she joined the group. “Good evening, everyone.” She hugged Hannah, Esther, and Abe.
Mrs. Wenger popped her head out from the kitchen to the sitting room. “Wilkom. Make yourselves at home. I’ve got a plate of fresh bread and apple jam for you to nibble on while I finish preparing the food.”
Liza went to her. “May we help you?”
“I’ve got everything almost ready and the table’s set. Maryann’s helping me.” She gestured for her dochder to join them. “Everyone, this is Maryann, my prec
ious dochder. You’ll meet Betsy, my granddochder, later. She’s taking a nap.”
Esther smiled and waddled her ample hips to Liza and Mrs. Wenger. “Let us do something.”
“Nah. I insist you visit and let me finish up.” Naomi gave them a warm smile.
Ellie hugged Maryann and stepped back for Hannah and the rest of her family to greet her. Her new friend spoke to each one of her family with kindness. She was encouraged by Mrs. Wenger’s smile in her direction when introducing Maryann to the group.
Peter greeted Maryann and went to Joel. “Snuggles and Cinnamon miss you. You should visit us more.”
Joel chuckled. “What about you?”
Ellie’s heart soared. Peter had a special friendship with Joel.
“I miss you most of all.” He hugged Joel’s legs.
Joel ruffled Peter’s hair. “I’ve missed you too. I plan to kumme over a lot more often. We’ll find time to play blind man’s bluff.”
Peter motioned for Joel to bend down. He got close to his ear. “I’m going to tell you a secret.”
“Maybe you should wait and get permission to tell me.”
Peter shook his head. “I wanna tell you.”
“What is it?”
Ellie tapped Peter on the shoulder. “You should wait and let Liza tell the news.”
Her bruder couldn’t keep his mouth shut. Anytime he overheard something of interest, he had to tell the news. She couldn’t help but be amused he wanted to tell Joel about the boppli. Peter had been fond of Joel from the start.
“You weren’t supposed to listen.” Peter narrowed his eyes.
“I couldn’t help but overhear you. What you call whispering is too loud.”
“Please, let me tell him.”
Joel tapped Peter’s nose. “Maybe we should wait until after supper.”
“I’m going to have a new schweschder or bruder soon!” He brought his hands to his mouth and giggled.
The room grew quiet.
Liza stepped to Peter. “Usually families keep the announcement of a woman with child to themselves for a while. Peter makes this impossible for our family.”
